Mulayam Singh Yadav bats for Indian languages in government offices

LUCKNOW: SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav today said that he shares "long and old relations" with RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav.

"You (media) are saying that I and Lalu are having relations. You say, when did we not have relations? We have been together for years," he said at an event of Hindi Sansthan here.

Hinting at the two Yadavs coming in the forefront of consolidation of opposition forces for forming the erstwhile 'Janata Parivar' under the banner of one party, the SP chief said, "There was division at one point of time, but fresh efforts have been made and there is a new alternative before the country. I, Lalu and Nitish have worked together for years. The new alternative will ensure welfare of the people."

"The posts of minister and Prime minister are not important but one should do such work for society so that one is always remembered," he said.

Clarifying on his presumed anti-English stance, Yadav said, "I have always advocated for replacing English and not for doing it away. If someone wants to study English, he can. I do not talk of only Hindi but all Indian languages. If work is done in Indian languages, Hindi will be promoted automatically."

The leader said that all work especially at the government offices should be done in Indian languages.

"Leaders go to people to seek vote in Hindi but in Loksabha they speak in English. I challenge them to seek vote in English and they will forfeit their deposits", he added.

Mulayam said that while he was the Defence Minister of the country from 1996-98, the ministry used Hindi in its official work for the first time.

The SP supremo added that A P J Abdul Kalam who served as his advisor at the time, had learnt Hindi and even gave an extempore speech in Safai.

He said that people all over the world speak in their mother tongue, whether its England or Europe.

Mulayam felicitated prominent author Doodnath Singh with Bharat Bharati award comprising a memento and a cheque of Rs 5 lakh at the event.

Prem Janmejaya was felicitated with Pandit Shrinarain Chaturvedi award for his collection of satires.

Janmejay said that he has written several satirical books and publishes a magazine 'Vyang Yatra'.

Many other authors were felicitated on the occasion.